| - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - General Goiter Information
A goiter is an enlargement or swelling of the thyroid gland. The result is a bulge or a painless swelling or disfigurement of the neck, sometimes so large that it can easily be seen as a mass in the neck. There are different kinds of goiters. A simple goiter is classified as either an endemic (colloid) goiter or a sporadic (nontoxic) goiter. This type usually occurs when the thyroid gland is underactive (hypothyroidism) and can not produce enough thyroid hormone (thyroxine) to meet the bodys requirements. The thyroid gland enlarges to compensate and produce the necessary hormone. Another form of goiter, called toxic nodular goiter, appears when one or more nodules in the thyroid get out of control and produce too much thyroid hormone. A nontoxic goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid which is not associated with overproduction of thyroid hormone or malignancy.
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Iodine deficiency is the largest known cause of goiter. Iodine is vital to the formation of thyroid hormone. An overproduction of thyroid stimulating hormone in the pituitary gland in response to a defect in normal hormone synthesis within the thyroid gland can also result in a goiter. Graves disease (a form of hyperthyroidism) can cause a toxic diffuse goiter or exophthalmic goiter. Other causes of goiters include certain medications in high doses, such as lithium or aminoglutethimide; a family history of congenital goiter. In most cases of sporadic goiter the cause is unknown.
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The main symptom of goiter is a swelling at the base of the neck. The swelling can range in size from a small lump to a noticible enlargement. If hyperthyroidism is the cause of goiter, weight loss, increased appetite, elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, diarrhea, anxiety, hand tremors and muscle weakness can also result. If hypothyroidism is the cause, fatigue, depression, decreased heart rate, constipation, intolerance to cold, weight gain and numbness in the hands can occur. Both under and overactive thyroid, if left untreated, can lead to life-threatening complications. The goiter mass canl sometimes compress the trachea (windpipe) and esophagus (swallowing tube), causing difficulty in breathing and swallowing. Psychological problems can also develop, including fear of social situations, anxiety, loss of self confidence, even fear of the growth itself.
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Goiter is usually treated by increasing intake of iodized salt and avoiding goiter-aggrevating foods, such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts and soy. Iodine can be found in seafoods, kelp and sea vegetables. If goiters interfere with normal breathing and swallowing, surgical removal may be necessary.
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Beneficial Dietary Supplements
Kelp Sea Weed is an excellent antioxidant and contains iodine to assist thyroid function.
L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that help increases plasma levels, helps with weight loss and is a crucial building block of thyroid hormone.
Spirulina has beneficial nutrients for overall health.
Vitamin B Complex improves cellular oxygenation and energy, and helps with digestion, immune and thyroid function.
Essential Fatty Acids, such as Primrose Oil, are important for proper thyroid function.
Bladderwrack is high in iodine, which is beneficial for under-active thyroid conditions.
Irish Moss nourishes the thyroid and endocrine system.
Agnus Castus supports the pituitary gland and helps balance estrogen, which is known to interfeer with normal thyroid funtion.
Black Cohosh helps balance estrogen levels and may be useful in thryoid conditions.
Siberian Ginseng helps the adrenal and thymus glands, which help support thyroid health.
REFERENCES: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC; James F. Balch, M.D. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - -
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